The tragic sinking of the superyacht Bayesian off the coast of Sicily has left a devastating impact on the lives of those on board. The details of the 22 individuals who were part of this ill-fated voyage have started to emerge, shedding light on their backgrounds, accomplishments, and the heartbreaking loss that has befallen some of them.
Among the passengers on board was British technology tycoon Mike Lynch, who was one of the original six people reported missing. Divers confirmed on Thursday that his body had been recovered. Lynch, a self-made millionaire who founded the software company Autonomy, had a net worth of £852m and was known for his success in the tech industry. Despite facing legal challenges related to the sale of Autonomy to HP, Lynch was cleared of all charges in a US trial earlier this year.
Tragically, Lynch’s 18-year-old daughter Hannah was also on board the yacht and her body was recovered from the wreckage on Friday. She had recently secured a place to study English at the University of Oxford and was described as a promising young student. The loss of both father and daughter has left a void in the hearts of their loved ones and the community.
Another notable figure on board was Jonathan Bloomer, the chairman of investment bank Morgan Stanley International, who was confirmed dead on Thursday. Bloomer, a close friend of Lynch, had served as a defence witness in Lynch’s US criminal trial and was a respected figure in the financial industry. His wife Judy, a former board member at The Eve Appeal charity, also lost her life in the tragedy.
The crew members of the Bayesian also faced the brunt of the disaster, with chef Recaldo Thomas being the first to be recovered from the wreckage. US lawyer Chris Morvillo, who worked on Lynch’s legal team, and his wife Neda were among those who tragically lost their lives in the sinking. Their contributions to the legal and jewellery industries will be remembered by those who knew them.
Amidst the tragedy, there were stories of survival and resilience. Ayla Ronald, a senior associate at Clifford Chance, survived the disaster along with her partner. Charlotte Golunski, a partner at Invoke Capital, managed to keep her one-year-old daughter alive after being rescued from the sinking yacht. The captain of the vessel, James Cutfield, and crew members Leah Randall, Katja Chicken, and Leo Eppel also survived the ordeal.
The sinking of the superyacht Bayesian has left a deep impact on the lives of those involved, with the loss of loved ones and the survival of others creating a complex tapestry of emotions. As the investigation into the cause of the tragedy continues, the memories of those who perished will be cherished, and the resilience of those who survived will serve as a testament to the human spirit in the face of adversity.